The Elgar Concerto has a new champion in Cleveland native Alisa Weilerstein. Her performance here with conductor Daniel Barenboim and the Staatskapelle Berlin not only bears comparison to Jacqueline Du Pre's but also stands out markedly for its depth, virtuosity and animation. Further proving her mettle is the Cello Concerto of Elliott Carter, a bracing, austere work Weilerstein manages to humanize. Rounding out the disc is a predictably engrossing account of Bruch's "Kol Nidrei." Grade: A -- Zachary Lewis, Plain Dealer Music Critic

Bach & Beyond Part 1Jennifer Koh, violinCedille Records

Jennifer Koh is not only an exemplary violinist. She also makes intriguing musical connections, as can be heard on her new disc of works by Bach and composers he inspired. Two Bach monuments are here, the second and third partitas, in performances of remarkable depth and vibrancy. Koh also applies illuminating artistry to music by Eugene Ysaye and Kaija Saariaho, whose pieces blend Bach with the ominous "Dies Irae" hymn, and Missy Mazzoli. Grade: A -- Donald Rosenberg, Plain Dealer reporter

"Nouveau Monde"Patricia Petibon, sopranoDeutsche Grammophon

Pettibon alone is captivating enough, so expressive and penetrating is her voice. Add intriguing repertoire into the mix and you have a treasure. The soprano here explores old Europe's fascination with foreign lands, performing Baroque works about adventure and discovery. Obscure Rameau, Handel and Purcell anchors an appealing and almost totally unfamiliar program including traditional songs in multiple languages. Backing her is La Cetra Baroque Orchestra, an ensemble like Pettibon seemingly capable of anything. Grade: A -- Z.L.

Myths & AllegoriesLes DelicesLes Delices

The Cleveland ensemble devoted to music of the French Baroque has another CD triumph in "Myths & Allegories," a collection of prime instrumental and vocal works by Rebel, Bourgeois, Mont clair and de la Guerre. As always, the musicians are models of shapely phrasing and buoyant attack, with oboist (and artistic director) Debra Nagy especially expressive. Their guest, soprano Clara Rottsolk, animates the texts, caressing words and adding vocal shimmer to every line. Grade: A – D.R.

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